Christian communities around the world have entered the season of anticipation known as Advent, a name that comes from a Latin word meaning “coming.” Depending on which source you consult, the celebration of Advent was instigated somewhere between the 4th and 6th centuries, either in Spain or in Rome, as a 40-day period of fasting in preparation for the baptism of new believers at Epiphany (January 6). Over time the observance changed from one of fasting to one that places an emphasis on the hope of Christ’s coming, differentiating it from the season of Lent. Via Advent, we rejoice with hope for Jesus Christ’s arrival into this world via his birth in Bethlehem, the arrival of Jesus into the heart of every believer via the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s supper, and his future arrival when he comes to close out this age and usher us all into the full fruition of God’s kingdom. Often, we light candles each week for hope, peace, joy, and love in anticipation of Christmas Eve when we light the fifth and final candle — the Christ candle — to celebrate Jesus’ birth. In the midst of a busy modern world, the celebration of Advent invites us to pause and enter into the presence of God in patience, trust, and hope, teaching us the beauty in expectant waiting.

My prayer for you this Advent is that you will embrace a rhythm of expectant waiting. Perhaps you might choose to do so by spending 5 minutes with God each day simply being still in his presence and waiting on his word/guidance/direction/comfort/peace. Perhaps you might take up journaling just for this season — each week asking God what he wants to reveal to your heart about hope, peace, joy, love, and Jesus. Maybe you want to use this time in service, or spend more time in nature, or appreciate the beauty of the season. Maybe you want to try one of the apps I’ve recommended (Lectio 365, One Minute Pause, or Hallow — they really are so good!). In the midst of the rush that accompanies this time of year, I pray that God’s Spirit will impress upon you the peace and comfort to be found in being still.

I also hope you will join us for contemplative worship this month! Please read this newsletter carefully for updated information about worship as we will have an amended schedule this month in light of the holidays.

In addition, for those of you in the Adonai Bible study, we will be “sort of” taking a break for the holidays as we read through the book of Psalms. I will have a series of lectures on the different categories of psalms and then encourage you to choose psalms for your own reflection and study. Since the psalms cover basically the entirety of Israelite history it will be a break in our chronological progression to simply worship God through the words of our spiritual ancestors. We will have an amended schedule for discussion (and worship) so please read this newsletter carefully.

See below for more calendar/logistical information!

May God bless you with his peace,

Kimberly

Our worship series for this year is called “The Names of God,” following along with our Old Testament Bible study.

** Please see above for more information about our Christmas and New Year’s Eve services!

Thank you again for your continued generous donations!

Projected Expenses (August 2025 - August 2026)

Donations (August 2025 - August 2026)

Amount Donated to Hope Heals Camp: $1,130.00

With all budgeted expenses accounted for already, any additional donations I receive between December 3 and July 31, 2026 will be given to Hope Heals (at the beginning of August 2026), unless otherwise specified (a few of you have kindly given donations and asked that I use it for myself/my family and I have left those out of the above donation total).

THANK YOU!!!!

Also, registration should open next month for anyone interested in volunteering at Hope Heals Camp. I will keep you posted!

In December we are studying the books of Joshua, Judges, and Ruth before we break for the holidays.

Upcoming Study/Discussion Plan:

To visit the course page CLICK HERE.

To register please CLICK HERE.

Have questions, want to connect, have a prayer request, or in need of pastoral counseling? Send me an email and we can set up time to “meet!”

May God bless you and keep you, may God make his face to shine upon you, and may God grant you peace.

Kimberly